The goal for the design of this 1950’s beach house interior was to create a refuge from the all-too-predictable Northwest coast rainy weather of Seaview, Washington. This is Portland designer Garrison Hullinger’s own playful getaway which is drenched with warmth to forget about the outdoor elements. Taking this home out of the 1950’s meant removing almost every surface in the house, except for the original wood paneling. The wood was painted a soft hue of blue that is a great contrast to the new coffee stained bamboo floors.

Guests are made to feel welcome at this beach house. The designer used the natural hues of the surrounding environment for inspiration in decor: nature-inspired tones infused with splashes of welcome color. This cheerful palette, when combined with unique choices of furnishings that showcase natural materials, helps create a perfect weekend getaway, whether rain or shine. The warmth of the dark bamboo flooring helps ground the space and hides a multitude of dirt, sand and dog hair. The fireplace was previously an old yellow brick with mauve-tinted mortar, but the designer switched all that out for simple and modern porcelain tiles on the bottom half, while the top half is smooth, hand-sanded plaster.

In the master bedroom, 100-year-old tongue-and-groove plank wood wall boards were discovered under the old chipboard of the walls during the remodel of the 1957 Ranch. Previous owners reported that the boards were salvaged from the old Victorian house that originally sat on the property. The designer used a soy based wood conditioner to clean and seal the wood boards, while leaving the paint and stain as they were originally found. Since the wall was a bold statement, the furnishings in this room were kept simple, the bed did not need a headboard, and the red side tables were clean and minimal.

Hullinger chose a soft white trim throughout, knowing it would work perfectly with Seaview’s often-cloudy and muted light.

The upper cabinets have been removed and stainless steel shelves hold the glassware.

The existing cabinetry was sanded down and repainted with a gray paint in a satin finish.

One of the only bright colors in the home is a brilliant turquoise wall that extends from the dining room into the kitchen.

The living room and family room have a very neutral palette, inspired by colors you’d find collecting seashells and driftwood.

A guest bedroom plays off of the beachy turquoise wall in the dining room and kitchen.